DMG finalizes racing plans

New Factory Class to appease manufacturers

By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Jul. 22, 2008

Daytona Motorsports Group has finalized its plans for AMA Superbike racing after months of discussion and criticism.

DMG, who will operate under the name AMA Pro Racing after its purchase of the American Motorcyclist’s Association’s racing properties were finally approved July 10, has been working on establishing its rules for the past four months.

Preliminary rules released over that time were met with criticism. Proposed rules involving spec fuel, spec tires, a dyno-enforced maximum power output and shifting the premiere racing class to 600cc motorcycles proved especially controversial among fans, manufacturers and racers such as Mat Mladin.

“The program we are releasing today represents the best combination of our vision and the vision shared with us by the manufacturers, promoters, fans, and independent teams,” says Roger Edmondson of AMA Pro Racing.

Beginning with the 2009 season, AMA Pro Racing will feature three primary classes named Factory Superbike, American Superbike, and Daytona Superbike.

The Factory Superbike class will allow manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha to apply top racing technology in liter-class sport bikes. Factory teams will not be limited by rules designed to even the playing field for private teams. Factory Superbikes will race under FIM World Superbike rules by 2011 but will operate under current AMA Superbike rules for 2009 as teams make the transition.

Factory Superbike competition will have open tire selection, single-bike qualifying and unlimited testing. A Factory Pro license will be issued to experienced riders who have demonstrated a high level of performance. Factory Superbike will be the final race for most weekend events.

“Works bikes, salaried star riders, rules written by and requested by the manufacturers, special tires, no-holds barred superbike racing by the strongest teams in America … what more could a racing fan ask for?” says Edmondson. “It will be a shooting war among the big guns and the meek need not apply.”

Private teams will be able to race their literbikes in the American Superbike class alongside factory teams. Motorcycles may not be entered in both American Superbike and Factory Superbike classes. All machines and after-market parts will be homologated and will run on spec tires. Testing will be limited to reduce costs.

The ten fastest riders in timed practice sessions will take part in Superpole qualifying to determine the starting grid.

American Superbike riders will need a Factory Pro or Superbike Pro license.

The Daytona Superbike will feature machines that fit a specified power-to-weight ratio and a horsepower limit. Competition is expected to feature 600cc four-cylinder motorcycles but 675cc triples and 1200cc twins may be allowed to participate. All motorcycles and after-market parts will be homologated and available to all competing teams.

Like American Superbike, Daytona Superbike will also feature Superpole qualifying, limited testing and spec tires, as well as spec fuel. Racers may carry Factory Pro, Superbike Pro or Limited Pro licenses.

Homologation of motorcycles and after-market parts will begin Aug. 1 and the official rule book will be published in September.